Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

A lexandra

The bastard had stolen my wallet.

My wallet.

Why?

Okay, maybe something in the back of my mind told me he was just trying to add another layer of protection. If I dared try to use it anywhere, the bastards might know. Why did I have a feeling they would? Still, he could have told me. I had a couple of special photographs inside.

Well, two could play at this game, even if I hadn’t stolen his.

There was truly a wicked streak inside of me I hadn’t known existed. Maybe it had always been buried deep inside, my studies precluding it coming out. I wasn’t a stupid girl. You didn’t post drunken fests, not that I’d experienced any. You didn’t post anything against a school or anything political either. An occasional family picture or maybe a graduation was fine, but there wasn’t a single photograph of me with a drink in my hand. I’d made certain of it.

However, having a hot credit card in my hand had allowed a different girl to emerge from the depths. I had no idea the limit, although the card was shiny graphite in color, which I thought indicated something high.

While I had a tough time navigating through Italian waters, I’d asked the very sweet housekeeper Marlene where I should look. As soon as I had, the young woman had brightened, following me into the living room and finding ten delicious-looking clothes and shoes sites for me. When I’d told her price was no limit, she’d added two more.

I had a feeling in her off time she was a bit of a wild child, but the uniform she was wearing, blue shorts and a tee shirt, certainly couldn’t highlight her personality. I’d dared ask her a few questions about Nico and she’d been hesitant to say anything at first, finally admitting he was often generous to a fault.

I put that in the back of my memory banks for when I grew furious with him.

She’d finally admitted after prodding she hadn’t seen him with another woman in the house since she’d worked there. Five years. That tidbit was placed at the forefront of my brain.

Now I was shopping like a fiend, using and abusing his credit card as he’d suggested. Maybe I was purchasing too much, but his request I buy dresses and heels had led to sexy lingerie.

I had no idea how that happened.

And new purses as well. A girl couldn’t have too many shoes or purses. Right?

When I’d finished doing the damage, I instantly felt guilty. It was tough not to. While I hadn’t added up the dollar amount—honestly, I’d be terrified to do so—I knew the total had to be in the thousands.

Ugh.

He’d either be angry or not. There was nothing I could do.

I laughed when I realized I’d taken less than an hour to shop. I hadn’t been on a shopping trip in as long as I could remember. Between saving every penny and not having time, Target and TJ Maxx had become my go-tos. If I wasn’t wearing scrubs.

Spending excessive amounts of money didn’t feel nearly as good as I’d thought it would. I wasn’t that girl. I was practical, savoring the smallest trinkets.

I closed his laptop lid, placing his card directly in the middle of his desk. The combination of living room and partial office seemed odd, but there was a much larger family-style room down the hallway. The house was huge with various wings that I’d yet to visit.

As I ventured into his office, checking out his books and running my fingers across his massive second desk, I tried to gather another sense of him. That was difficult because he wasn’t very forthcoming. I don’t know why I was trying so hard.

After grabbing a bottle of water from the kitchen, I ventured outside, walking around the perimeter of the pool. It was late afternoon, but the sun had yet to set. It was an extraordinary place, so beautiful it still took my breath away. If only my tour hadn’t ended so badly.

I stood still for a few minutes staring off into the distance when I thought about the limited rules I’d been provided with. There was nothing against taking a walk. Why not? I would likely be back before he was and what was the harm?

It was peaceful and I needed to clear my head. Walking always did that, running more so, but I wasn’t prepared to navigate the gravel roads just yet. Maybe tomorrow. I’d been a smart girl, slipping a soft ponytail holder into the pocket of my shorts. I never went anywhere without one. I usually wore my hair that way, hating when the long strands got in my way. It wasn’t very professional either.

With my hair up, and my water bottle in my hand, I took off walking. It was easy to follow the same path Nico had taken, only I took a short cut when I came close to the olive trees. They were truly remarkable, beautiful in an entirely different way than I was used to.

I took my time walking down the middle, almost reluctant to head to the vineyards, but the delicious scent drew my attention.

Unable to help myself, I picked a handful of grapes, popping them into my mouth. They were so juicy one leaked, the liquid slipping past my lips. I found it funny, finally starting to relax after the ruthless man had pushed me back onto the edge where I’d been.

Soon, I found myself at the stable again, doing nothing more than leaning over the railing. At least after a couple of minutes, two horses came to be petted. It was still a surreal moment in my mind, something I’d never thought I’d experience.

Only a few seconds later, I noticed Romeo. It appeared he was starting to corral some of the horses. Maybe the deeply wicked side of me reared again, but I couldn’t help myself, easing into the gate and heading for the barn. Maybe I felt the need to apologize for Nico’s actions.

Ridiculous, but it was the kind of girl I was.

I moved just to the doorway, peering inside. There was no sign of him. Just stunning horses. I shoved one hand into my pocket, moving further inside. I still didn’t see him and decided to check the other side. The moment I turned to head that way, I ran smack into a hard body.

“ Merda. Stai bene? ” The man’s voice was husky, just as deep as Nico’s.

“I… I’m not certain what you said.”

“Pardon me,” he said and wrinkled his nose as he seemed to be having a hard time with figuring out the words in English. “My English is a little… rusty. I’m sorry. I asked if you were okay.”

“My fault. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

“It’s okay. Did you need something?”

“I’m just taking a walk. Don’t let me stop you. It must be about quitting time.”

Romeo nodded. “Yes, I make certain all the horses had food and water for the night, just to tide them over. Then I turn on music for them to sleep by.”

“That’s amazing.”

An awkward moment settled between us. I could tell he had no idea what to say to me or if he should say anything after Nico’s tirade.

“Well, I must get back to my chores,” he said, more politely than before. The fact he gave me a onceover wasn’t lost, nor was the sentiment.

“I understand. I just wanted to apologize for Nico’s behavior. I have no idea why he reacted that way.”

“He’s very… how do you say… protective of those he cares about.”

“I don’t know if he cares about me. He’s never acted like it before. Granted, he got me out of a horrible pinch, but I mean nothing to him.”

He wagged his finger and tsked at the same time. “Not true. You can always tell by a man’s eyes their thoughts and desires.”

Which is why Nico had reacted that way.

“Well, I was mortified. It was ridiculous.”

Romeo smiled. “He is a good man, just lonely. And I’ve spoken out of turn.”

“Your secret is safe with me. Any idea why?”

He shook his head, but I had a feeling he did know. “He’s very private.”

That he was. “How long have you worked here?”

“I grew up here,” he said and was quite happy about it. “My father was a trainer for his father. I learned to ride a horse when I was a tiny baby boy.”

“Where did you live?”

“Here.” He acted confused. “There are two lovely streets designed with a few dozen acres, houses built for the employees. Once you’ve hit five years, you can purchase the home for not much money. I think I’m saying it right.”

“You are and that’s wonderful.”

“As I said, he and his father are very generous.”

Another awkward moment settled in. “Well, I should get going, I guess. Maybe one day I’ll be allowed to sit on a horse. Nothing more.”

I backed away, even waving to him. Was I tempting fate? Maybe but I couldn’t help myself. I was already so overwhelmed by my surroundings I needed something to soothe my mind and the ache in my heart.

He kicked his boot into the gravel, exhaling a few times. “I tell you what. I’ll saddle a really sweet horse and allow you to get on. I’ll even guide you around the corral, but only for a few minutes. Since you have not ridden a horse, it will be tough on your…”

“Bottom?” I finished for him.

The way he flushed with embarrassment was adorable. “Yes.”

“I’ll be okay. I’d love that and promise I won’t take advantage. I’m sure you want to get home.”

His laugh was boisterous, more so than the fake banter it seemed Nico was capable of. “I have little to go home to. My mother and father retired in the South of France. At least they left me the house.” His grin was boyish and sexy, alluring to the point I was having impure thoughts.

Sadly, I knew it was more about whiplash with Nico at this point. It was stupid of course since not only had I not dated the man, I also didn’t know him. But it was there, hanging around my neck like a noose.

Like the man already owned me.

“Then I’ll take you up on your kind offer. Maybe the quick ride will tire me out.”

“No ride. Just a walk. You won’t be ready for riding for a long time. If Mr. Marciano allows it, I’d be happy to train you how to ride.”

I wanted to shout out to the world I would love that, but why bother? Nico would just squash the idea from the beginning. “That’s such a kind offer.”

Another awkward moment settled between us, but it had less to do with him not knowing what to say to me. It was clear he was attracted.

And so was I.

Well, shit.

“Come with me. I’ll show you how to saddle a horse.”

I trailed behind him and he switched gears completely, explaining comfort for a horse when a human rode, the mistakes riders made, and just how much he adored the animals. Horses seemed to be his life. Simple. Easy. Honest.

He selected a beautiful horse who immediately walked up to me. She wasn’t huge like some, but was just as beautiful.

“Sadie is older, but a doll baby. She will be an excellent first-time horse. Now, the perfect saddle.”

Romeo explained that as well, enjoying talking about the leather and placing a blanket on certain horses. When she was saddled, he grinned as if he was having more fun than he was used to. He led her outside by the reins.

“I don’t even know how to… mount a horse?” I said and the sound was sheepish, which wasn’t like me.

“I will help you.” As I’d seen in the movies, he intertwined his fingers of both hands, lowering it to where I could place my foot while instructing me as to which one. I felt stupid, but did one of my infamous squeals as I was placed on the majestic horse. Oh, my God. I felt so tall.

And I was utterly and positively petrified, frozen. I wasn’t certain if my mouth wasn’t open and I was drooling. Oh, this was a good look.

“I… Can’t.”

Romeo looked up at me or so I thought he had. I was too terrified to look down, fearful I’d fall off. “Yes, you can. Nice and slow. Let me have a little discussion with Sadie.”

A tiny bit of being petrified like a mummy wore off as he pressed his face next to the horse’s ear. It was obvious he was chatting with her, even using his hands. I had a feeling he was doing this to help me gain my confidence.

When he pulled back, he patted her flanks. “Sadie said she will be as gentle as you need. Just take two deep breaths for me and tell me a little about yourself.”

“Not much to tell.” I was even speaking through gritted teeth.

“Nonsense. You have a job or something back in America. Yes?”

“Actually, I’m a medical student, third year.”

“Fantastic. What are you studying? A specialty?”

“Maybe surgery.”

“A healer. That is wonderful.”

The man was good, his training amazing. I hadn’t even noticed he’d walked Sadie several feet, already making me feel comfortable.

Only a few minutes later, I felt an entirely different wave of peace, happy that I’d tried something out of my comfort zone.